UT System Executive Director of Public Affairs Jenny LaCoste-Caputo would not confirm or deny Burka’s report, saying the search is confidential. Fisher’s assistant in Dallas would not confirm the report and said he was traveling. McRaven could not be reached.

McRaven is best known as the U.S. Special Operations Commander who led the mission that resulted in Osama bin Laden’s death. He is a UT-Austin Distinguished Alumnus, receiving his bachelor’s in journalism in 1977, who gave a rousing commencement speech this year. His request for retirement was approved just weeks ago, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Fisher is not an alumnus of the University of Texas. The former U.S. Trade Representative assumed leadership at the Dallas Fed in 2005, is fluent in Spanish and is a graduate of Harvard, Oxford and Stanford. He also attended the U.S. Naval Academy.

Burka’s report came two days after Cigarroa and UT System Regents Chair Paul Foster ended the latest battle over the future of the flagship campus’ president, Bill Powers. Under an agreement hammered out behind closed doors and announced Wednesday, Powers will stay on until June 2015. He and Cigarroa have had a fraught relationship, often erupting in public disagreements that have put alumni and donors on edge.

Cigarroa indicated in February he would step down as chancellor as soon as a replacement could be found. UT Regent Gene Powell confirmed Thursday the board expected to have a list of finalists by mid-August.

Lauren McGaughy is a reporter in the Houston Chronicle’s Austin bureau. She can be reached via email at lauren.mcgaughy@chron.com or on Twitter @lmcgaughy.